Burn restrictions announced prior to July 4 holiday
NANCE BESTON | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months, 1 week AGO
The Swawilla Fire burns on the Colville Reservation last July. The fire burned in excess of 53,000 acres according to state officials. State and federal authorities have urged the public to be cautious with fireworks and to honor regulations preventing fires and fireworks on public lands during the July 4 holiday weekend and fire season as a whole.
COURTESY PHOTO/GRAND COULEE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
SPOKANE — The Bureau of Land Management has increased fire restrictions for Eastern Washington starting on the July 4 holiday, citing increased fire danger with hot, dry weather in the region.
“Know before you go and be prepared before visiting your public lands this summer,” said Fire Management Officer for the BLM Spokane District Lonnie Newton. “Pack a shovel and fire extinguisher and follow BLM’s fire restriction orders to help prevent fires.”
The Spokane District has responsibilities toward BLM lands in the eastern portion of the Evergreen State. Counties affected include Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Columbia, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, Walla Walla, Whitman and Yakima. The restrictions prohibit any kind of open fire, including campfires and charcoal cookfires, from being used on BLM property. Violations of the restrictions may result in fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment up to one year and those causing a wildfire may be held responsible for damages and fire suppression costs, according to a BLM statement.
An additional regulation for smokers restricts smoking to areas with at least a three-foot diameter that has been cleared of vegetation. Shooting firearms while not hunting is also not permitted.
Fireworks are never permitted to be set off on BLM lands, per the BLM.
According to the BLM and the state of Washington, more than 300,000 acres, much of which that managed by the BLM, burned statewide in 2024. Significant wildfires last year included the Swawilla Fire at more than 53,000 acres; the Bighorn Fire at more than 51,500 acres; and the Retreat Fire at about 45,600 acres.
Ahead of the holiday, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office also released advisories regarding fireworks safety and restrictions. Those celebrating the holiday are asked to only use legal, consumer-grade fireworks; have a bucket or hose nearby; not allow children to handle fireworks; keep fireworks away from flammable materials – including dry scrubland vegetation; not use fireworks that appear damaged or tampered with; not point fireworks at others and move away from lit fireworks after they’ve been lit; keep sparklers – which may burn at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees – away from the body; and avoid drinking alcohol or using THC products when using fireworks.
According to DNR, 2024 saw 156 injuries and 271 fires in Washington state from fireworks last year, most of those occurring around the July 4 holiday.
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